Is StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 17, 2026
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
Yes. StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water received an A grade because its listed ingredients are pregnancy safe, with no flagged ingredients. Because tuna can contain mercury, include it as part of a varied Seafood intake rather than relying on it every day.
Go ahead and use it. Nothing to worry about here.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water?
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water has 4 ingredients. All 4 ingredients are considered safe for pregnancy.
light tuna
SAFE
Light tuna is a mild flavored, lean fish commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. Light tuna can be included during pregnancy in moderation as part of a varied Seafood intake.
salt
SAFE
Salt is a mineral essential for flavor enhancement and preserving food. Salt is pregnancy safe as a normal food ingredient, though it still contributes to your overall sodium intake.
vegetable broth
SAFE
Vegetable broth is a flavorful, savory liquid made by simmering a variety of vegetables and herbs, used as a base for soups, stews, and other dishes. Vegetable broth is considered pregnancy safe in this product.
water
SAFE
Water is a clear, tasteless, and essential liquid that sustains all known forms of life. Water is safe during pregnancy and serves as the packing liquid in this product.
Answering Your Questions
How much StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is safe during pregnancy?
A typical serving can fit within the recommended 6–12 ounces of Seafood per week during pregnancy. Count other seafood you eat that week toward that total and vary your choices.
Can you use StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water daily while pregnant?
Enjoy it in moderation as part of your weekly Seafood intake rather than every day. Rotate it with other lower mercury seafood to add variety.
Can I eat chunk light tuna while pregnant?
Yes. Canned light tuna is generally a lower mercury tuna choice and can be included in moderation as part of a varied pregnancy diet.
Why did this product receive an A grade?
It received an A because its listed ingredients light tuna, salt, vegetable broth, and water are considered pregnancy safe, and no concerning ingredients were identified.
How does chunk light tuna compare with other types of tuna?
Chunk light tuna is generally a lower mercury choice than larger tuna varieties such as albacore. Mercury levels can still vary, so moderate intake and Seafood variety remain important.
Is this tuna safe while breastfeeding?
It can generally be included while breastfeeding. Continue choosing lower mercury Seafood, vary the fish you eat, and follow your clinician’s advice if you have individual dietary concerns.
What are pregnancy friendly alternatives to canned light tuna?
Consider other lower mercury Seafood, such as canned Salmon or sardines, or choose a different canned light tuna with a simple ingredient list. Rotate Seafood types rather than depending on one product.
Does this product need to be cooked before eating?
No. Canned tuna is already cooked and can be eaten directly from the can, although you can also add it to a heated meal.
How should I store leftover canned tuna?
Transfer leftovers to a covered container, refrigerate them promptly, and use them within the storage period recommended for cooked fish. Discard tuna that was left unrefrigerated too long or shows signs of spoilage.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Sardines À L'Ancienne Label Rouge | Connétable | canned fish |
| A | Sardines De Bretagne | Carrefour, Reflets De France | canned fish |
| A | Sardine Fillets In 100% Olive Oil | Season | canned fish |
| A | Thon Entier Au Naturel | Petit Navire | canned fish |
How Does StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water Compare to Other Canned Fishes?
We graded 3,273 Canned Fishes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water earns a A grade, placing it among the majority of Canned Fishes. Good news: most options in this category (84%) are pregnancy safe, so you've got plenty to choose from.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.